The 50s are back and we've got 'em! This delightful revue -- the longest-running in Broadway history, and nominated for seven Tonys -- offers Lieber and Stohler's greatest, all-time rock and roll hits, including Stand By Me, Hound Dog, Love Potion #9 and many more -- 40 songs in all! Neighborhood Playhouse is thrilled to give Smokey Joe's Cafe its first extended run in Atlanta.

I just have one thing to say... if you are going to have a musical show with a full electric band, do your performers a favor and give them good microphones!

The show that I saw on Saturday was at best strained. I've seen some of the performers in other shows, and know that they have much better voices than what I had to strain to hear over the music.

I had seen this show in London, so maybe I am biased, but the men in this show just weren't as strong as they should have been vocally for this kind of show. The women were the stand out vocal talents in this production, but unfortunately they don't get to shine at all (I'm A Woman was a Diva-fest!)

The choreography was very un-even, and over done. While the sets and lighting were good, the production as a whole was lacking.

The audience seemed to enjoy it because the music was from their childhood era, but if you are looking for a night of good singing, use the patch because this Smoke is bad for your health! [POST A COMMENT REGARDING THIS REVIEW]

This is another one of those times when you must accept something for what it is. This is a musical revue. There is no story. There is not a single spoken word. Nothing here but almost two hours worth of pop hits form the 1950's and 60's.

The production is surprisingly well done. The cast all must sing well (without microphones and with a live band), dance a lot, exude personality and appear to be having fun. This is no easy task, and, for the most part, they all manage very well. The stand out pipes belong to Maura Carey, and the stand out dancing feet definitly belong to Joseph Woodruff. There are some problems with sound levels, but those are difficult to avoid. There are also several examples of overwrought, distracting chreography. The less is more rule would have helped.

The sets and lighting are good. The costumes, however could use some altering (some very large clothes on the men and some very unflattering dresses on the women). This may have been due to budget, but even some slight modifications would help.

The band is very good, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The overall theater going experience was very positive. Even those of us who do not generally go in for this sort of thing were entertained.

If you enjoy musical revues or appreciate singing and dancing or are a fan of Jailhouse Rock, Love Potion #9, Stand By Me and the like, or need some place to take your parents (or any combination of the above), Smokey Joe's Cafe is the show to see. [POST A COMMENT REGARDING THIS REVIEW]